News

Will report before Week 1

Bell (groin), who has yet to sign his $12.12 million franchise tender with the Steelers, is slated to report to the team in advance of Week 1, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: While it's unclear exactly when that will happen, this nugget solidifies that the star running back's contract issue won't linger into the regular season. With Ezekiel Elliott facing a six-game suspension, Bell and David Johnson currently combine to occupy the top tier of fantasy running back rankings. Given that veteran rusher DeAngelo Williams was not re-signed by the Steelers, James Conner, Fitzgerald Toussaint and Knile Davis are currently battling for slotting on the team's backfield depth…read more

Published: Thu, Aug 17 at 11:00am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Working with footwork specialist

Bell (groin) will work with a footwork specialist in Florida until the middle of next week, ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler reports.

Analysis: It's hard to imagine Bell's footwork being any more impressive, but he's at least staying proactive during his absence from training camp, although the Pittsburgh coaching staff and players have made it clear they'd prefer to have him with the team. While he could theoretically wait until the end of the preseason to sign his franchise tender and still suit up for Pittsburgh's opener, Bell may want to come back a bit sooner to at least get in a couple weeks of live practice and maybe a brief…read more

Published: Fri, Aug 4 at 8:56am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Doesn't report for camp

Bell did not report to training camp with the rest of his Steelers teammates on Thursday, ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Given that the star running back has yet to sign his $12.12 million franchise tender with the team, his absence is not subject to fines. An NFL.com report suggests that Bell figures to simply wait until later in training camp to report, but given that he's bouncing back from March groin surgery, the Steelers would no doubt like to get him some reps as soon as possible. While Bell is away from the team, look for the likes of James Conner, Knile Davis and Fitzgerald Toussaint to see added…read more

Published: Thu, Jul 27 at 1:35pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

To play under franchise tag this season

Bell (groin) and the Steelers were unable to agree to a long-term contract prior to Monday's 4:00 PM EST deadline, meaning he'll play this season under Pittsburgh's $12.1 million franchise tag, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Analysis: Bell will be the NFL's highest-paid running back this year, but considering he hasn't signed his tender yet, he's not required to report for the start of training camp next week. Whether he does so remains to be seen, but without an extension in place, he'll become a free agent following the upcoming campaign. While that provides the 25-year-old with plenty of incentive to continue to rack up huge numbers, it also puts some pressure on Bell to remain healthy. In the wake of a couple of knee…read more

Published: Mon, Jul 17 at 1:11pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Not close to new deal ahead of deadline

Bell (groin) has until 4:00 EST Monday to secure a long-term contract with the Steelers, but an agreement is not currently considered close, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

Analysis: Bell's negotiations are anticipated to flirt with Monday's deadline, and if he's unable to reach an agreement by then, he'll play the upcoming campaign under the Steelers' franchise tag. That designation would guarantee Bell $12.12 million this season, but would leave both he and Pittsburgh in need of revisiting his situation next offseason. Given the 25-year-old's huge production, he's slated to be the NFL's top-paid tailback this season regardless of whether he gets a new deal by Monday's…read more

Published: Mon, Jul 17 at 9:28am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell's (groin) negotiations over a long-term contract could come down to next week's league deadline of 4:00 ET on July 17, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis: Bell is currently set to play the upcoming campaign under the Steelers' franchise tag, which would earn him $12.12 million in guaranteed money. Given his massive production since entering the league four years ago, Pittsburgh is rightfully keen to secure Bell's services for the foreseeable future. While the organization surely knows Bell's next deal will make him the NFL's highest-paid running back, it also needs to weigh any investment against Bell's injury risk. The 25-year-old has already…read more

Published: Mon, Jul 10 at 2:07pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Not present for minicamp

Analysis: Bell faces a July 15 deadline to sign a multi-year deal with the Steelers, or else he'd be in line to play this coming season under a $12.1 million franchise tag. Rapoport adds that negotiations on that front are ongoing and down the road we wouldn't expect Bell's contract issue to evolve into a situation that might impact his regular-season availability. While Bell is expected to be good to go health-wise in advance of Week 1, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger noted last week it's his…read more

Published: Tue, Jun 13 at 11:34am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Mulls potential offseason procedure

Bell, who missed the bulk of the AFC championship game due to a groin injury, is unsure at this stage if he'll opt for offseason surgery to address the issue, NFL.com reports. "I'm kind of in the process of seeing a couple of doctors, seeing if I have to get surgery or not," Bell noted Wednesday. "I'm hoping for the best, but I understand it's a tough game. If I don't get surgery, I go into the rehab process, work hard, get back to how I was last year, or actually, better."

Analysis: Meanwhile, Bell is on track to become a free agent this offseason, unless the Steelers utilize their franchise tag on him, which is a distinct possibility. With that in mind, the 24-year-old running back suggests that he's not looking to leave Pittsburgh. "Obviously, I want to play with the Steelers. I don't want to change teams and things like that," he noted. "Hopefully we get all that settled, and hopefully they show some love because obviously I feel like I'm the best running back in the…read more

Published: Wed, Feb 1 at 10:20am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell's groin was bothering him prior to Sunday's game against the Patriots, when he was forced into an early exit after further aggravating the ailment, Barry Wilner of The Associated Press reports.

Analysis: Bell admitted after Sunday's defeat that he'd been internally micromanaging his injury in the buildup to Pittsburgh's AFC championship appearance, when he thought he'd be able to play through the discomfort he'd been experiencing. However, after his problem was aggravated by a tackle he took early on, Bell estimated he was about 50 percent healthy, resulting in him removing himself from the contest after be handed just six carries. With the Steelers' season now over, Bell should have plenty of…read more

Published: Mon, Jan 23 at 12:27pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Exits AFC championship game with groin injury

Bell (groin) is questionable to return to Sunday's AFC championship game against the Patriots, Burt Lauten of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: Unless Bell is able to return, DeAngelo Williams will take over lead-back duties for the remainder of the game.

Published: Sun, Jan 22 at 4:38pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Analysis: Though Bell also missed practice Wednesday, Fowler relays that coach Mike Tomlin indicated that the running back's absence won't affect either his preparation or status for Sunday's AFC championship game against the Patriots.

Published: Thu, Jan 19 at 2:03pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Explodes for 170 yards rushing in divisional-round win

Bell rushed for 170 yards on 30 carries and secured two of five targets for minus-four yards in Sunday's 18-16 divisonal-round win over the Chiefs.

Analysis: Along with the Steelers defense, Bell was the key to the upset victory, as he set a franchise postseason rushing record and parlayed his trademark patience and superb vision into robust gains throughout all four quarters. Bell has now rushed for 337 yards over Pittsburgh's first two playoff tilts, and has accrued a whopping 63 total touches over that span. Given his MVP-caliber production, Bell is sure to be the focal point of the Steelers attack in next week's conference championship showdown…read more

Published: Sun, Jan 15 at 10:04pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Sits out practice Wednesday

Analysis: Coach Mike Tomlin said earlier in the week that Bell may be given a day off after he ran 29 times in last week's wild-card win over the Dolphins. The running back is thus expected to return to practice Thursday, as the Steelers' preparations for Sunday's road playoff game against the Chiefs continue.

Published: Wed, Jan 11 at 1:27pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

May not practice Wednesday

Bell may not take part in practice Wednesday, Bob Labriola of the Steelers' official site reports. "Bell has some bumps and bruises associated with play," head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday. "He touched it a few times, so I may give him a day, on Wednesday. "

Analysis: After taking a seat in Week 17, Bell received more than a few touches once the Steelers posted a pair of early TD connections between Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown on Sunday. In all, Bell accounted for 29 carries for a franchise playoff-best 167 yards, so a day off Wednesday would be warranted for the four-year pro. No matter the regimen he follows as the week goes on, he'll be preparing to exploit the Chiefs' 26th-ranked run defense this Sunday.

Published: Tue, Jan 10 at 11:35am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell carried 29 times for 167 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's wild card game against the Dolphins. He also caught both targets for seven yards in the 30-12 win.

Analysis: Making his first career playoff appearance, Bell gashed Miami for 5.8 yards per carry to set a Steelers franchise postseason rushing record. He was not as involved as he normally is in the passing game, but the early lead Pittsburgh jumped out to was a large factor in that development. Bell is firing at all cylinders at the moment and will likely receive as many touches as he can handle next week in what should be a tougher matchup against the Chiefs.

Published: Sun, Jan 8 at 5:51pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

The Steelers plan to use their franchise tag on Bell in advance of free agency this offseason, NFL.com reports.

Analysis: Per the report, the tag for running backs figures to be worth more than $12 million, while the anticipated move would give both sides the opportunity to work out a long-term deal for Bell. In any case, barring an unexpected change of heart, it's clear that the Steelers don't plan on losing the versatile back in free agency after the current campaign, with the team also of a mind to extend the contract of star wideout Antonio Brown, who is under contact next season. QB Ben Roethlisberger is…read more

Published: Sun, Jan 8 at 9:43am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell is inactive for Sunday's game against the Browns.

Analysis: With the Steelers locked into the No. 3 playoff seed in the AFC, the team has elected to give certain key players a breather in advance of the playoffs, with Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown also inactive in Week 17. With Bell resting, look for DeAngelo Williams and Fitzgerald Toussaint to handle the Steelers' rushing load Sunday.

Published: Sun, Jan 1 at 9:00am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

With Bell expected to sit out Sunday's game against the Browns, DeAngelo Williams and Fitzgerald Toussaint are in line to head the Steelers' Week 17 rushing attack, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports.

Analysis: With Bell, QB Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown all candidates to be inactive Sunday with the team's playoff seeding locked in, opportunity knocks for Pittsburgh's key reserves at the skill positions. Williams, who is bouncing back from a knee injury, hasn't logged a carry since Nov. 6, so Sunday's contest could provide him with the opportunity to shake some rust off in advance of the postseason.

Published: Thu, Dec 29 at 3:03pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

According to head coach Mike Tomlin, Bell is a candidate to sit out Sunday's contest versus the Browns, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis: Neither a win nor a loss will impact the Steelers' current standing as the No. 3 seed in the AFC playoff picture, so Tomlin is considering making Bell, Ben Roethlisberger, and Antonio Brown, among others, healthy scratches. The decision would be a prudent one, considering Bell has appeared in just one of three possible postseason games due to injury in his first three campaigns with the organization. Some combination of DeAngelo Williams and Fitzgerald Toussaint could handle the work afforded…read more

Published: Tue, Dec 27 at 10:05am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Scores through the ground and air in division-clinching win

Bell totaled 122 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries and secured three of four targets for 15 yards and another score in Sunday's 31-27 victory over the Ravens.

Analysis: Bell turned in another vintage performance, notching a pair of seven-yard, fourth-quarter touchdowns that brought the Steelers back from a 20-10 hole. The versatile Pro Bowler has heated up in the season's second half, with Sunday's game representing his fifth 100-yard rushing effort in the last six contests. The receiving touchdown was notably only Bell's second on the season, but he nevertheless has 75 catches in 2016 over just 11 games. With the postseason now on tap, it will be difficult to…read more

Published: Sun, Dec 25 at 7:28pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell carried 23 times for 93 yards in Sunday's 24-20 win over the Bengals. He also caught five passes for 38 yards.

Analysis: After carrying 38 times for a whopping 236 yards and three TDs and catching four passes for 62 yards in a Week 14 win over the Bills, Bell predictably fell back to earth some, though he still managed to help out fantasy owners in most formats, even without reaching the end zone. Next up for the Steelers and their undisputed top back is a crucial divisional showdown next Sunday against the Ravens, who entered Week 15 with the NFL's toughest run D, but allowed Ryan Mathews to record 128 yards and…read more

Published: Sun, Dec 18 at 1:59pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell carried 38 times for 236 yards and three TDs in Sunday's 27-20 win over the Bills. He also caught four passes for 62 yards.

Analysis: Per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Bell's 236 rushing yards set a Steelers' team record, while his three TD runs tied another team mark. Bell's outstanding effort in wintry conditions Sunday helped make up for a rough outing on the part of QB Ben Roethlisberger, who threw three interceptions. Next up for Bell is a Week 15 showdown against the Bengals, who surrendered 169 rushing yards in Sunday's 23-10 win over the Browns.

Published: Sun, Dec 11 at 1:35pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell had 29 carries for 118 yards and added six receptions on seven targets for 64 yards in Sunday's 24-14 win over the Giants. He also lost a fumble.

Analysis: Bell was held in check as a rusher in the first half but helped the Steelers control the clock in the second half. Surprisingly, he's now posted three straight 100-yard rushing games for the first time in his career. He continues to shine as a receiver, grabbing at least four passes in all nine of his games this season. He'll have a tougher matchup next week at Buffalo, although his workload and role still make him an elite option.

Published: Sun, Dec 4 at 5:32pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Second consecutive game with over 100 yards rushing

Bell ran for 120 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, and added four catches on five targets for 22 yards during Thursday's 28-7 win at Indianapolis.

Analysis: For the second straight week Bell ran for over 100 yards, and his score on a draw play from five yards out on the Steelers' first possession gives him four touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving) in his past three games. He'll look to keep the momentum going in Week 16 against the Giants.

Published: Thu, Nov 24 at 9:01pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Analysis: En route to a season high on the ground, Bell reached the end zone from a yard out as time expired before halftime for the Steelers' sole offensive touchdown of the day. His second rushing score in as many weeks, he's beginning to get into a groove befitting a player who entered the season with 22 touchdowns in 35 career games. He'll attempt to keep up the pace Thursday versus a Colts defense that has conceded 10 touchdowns and 4.6 YPC to running backs this season.

Published: Sun, Nov 20 at 2:54pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell carried 17 times for 57 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 35-30 loss to the Cowboys. He also caught nine of 10 targets for 77 yards and another score.

Analysis: Bell caught a two-yard touchdown on a slant to conclude the first drive of the game and plowed in again from the one-yard line in the fourth quarter. He hasn't rushed for more than 81 yards since his season-debut but continues to produce effectively as a receiver and is averaging an impressive 132.2 scrimmage yards per game in 2016. Quite surprisingly, his trips to the end zone were his first two of the season, but he could feasibly add to that total next week against a lousy Browns defensive…read more

Published: Sun, Nov 13 at 7:32pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell rushed 14 times for 32 yards, and caught six of nine targets for 38 more in Sunday's 21-14 loss to the Ravens.

Analysis: Bell was completely bottled up on the ground, averaging a paltry 2.3 yards per carry as the whole Steelers offense stumbled. Baltimore was able to key on the run with a clearly limited Ben Roethlisberger (knee) unable to provide much of a threat in the passing game until the fourth quarter. This whole offense should improve as Big Ben gets healthier, but a bounce-back effort is far from guaranteed next week against a Cowboys team that excels at limiting opposing time of possession.

Published: Sun, Nov 6 at 4:23pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell had 21 carries for 81 yards and caught 10 passes on 13 targets for 68 yards in Sunday's 27-16 loss to the Patriots.

Analysis: Without Ben Roethlisberger (knee), the Steelers leaned heavily on Bell, giving him a season-high 31 touches. He had more success on the ground in the first half, and then caught a bunch of short passes from Landry Jones in the second half. The versatile RB surprisingly still hasn't scored a touchdown this year, but has been a beast in PPR formats, with 30 receptions for 245 yards in four games. Make sure to take Bell out of your lineup next week, as Pittsburgh will have its bye.

Published: Sun, Oct 23 at 5:44pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell rushed 10 times for 53 yards, and added six catches for 55 more on seven targets, as well as a two-point conversion catch, in Sunday's 30-15 loss to the Dolphins.

Analysis: Bell's rushing workload was limited with the Steelers surprisingly playing the vast majority of this contest from behind, but he managed to top 100 yards from scrimmage nonetheless. The 24-year-old running back is averaging a robust 5.5 yards per carry since returning from a three-game suspension while playing in a three-down role. Expect him to get more carries against the Patriots next week with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (knee) banged up.

Published: Sun, Oct 16 at 3:29pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell carried 20 times for just 66 yards in Sunday's 31-13 win over the Jets, but added 88 receiving yards by hauling in nine of 11 targets.

Analysis: Pittsburgh could generate little on the ground versus a stout Jets front, but the Steelers still made a concentrated effort to get their star tailback involved, leading to an impressive 154 scrimmage yards. Bell has yet to find the end zone in two games this season, but has already racked up 332 yards from scrimmage, and should see another boost in his fantasy stock once he starts finding pay dirt. He'll next have the opportunity to do so in Week 6 against a Dolphins squad that is currently in…read more

Published: Sun, Oct 9 at 2:41pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Looks as good as ever

Bell gained 144 yards on 18 carries and 34 yards on five receptions (six targets) in Sunday's 43-14 win over the Chiefs.

Analysis: Bell clearly didn't suffer from the three-game layoff to start his season, looking as smooth as ever while piling up 178 scrimmage yards. He also played quite a few snaps out of the slot, which allowed DeAngelo Williams to get on the field at the same time. Williams only got four carries and one target, but he did vulture a two-yard touchdown late in the blowout, two snaps after Bell ripped off a 44-yard run. While Williams does have an excellent track record at the goal line, Sunday's usage…read more

Published: Sun, Oct 2 at 8:56pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Head coach Mike Tomlin said Bell is highly conditioned and will be busy in Sunday's game against Kansas City, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis: Tomlin confirmed that Bell stayed in top condition during a three-game suspension to open the season, setting the star running back up to take on a heavy workload from the outset. Even in a tough matchup against Kansas City, the shifty 24-year-old is a no-question starter in all formats. Bell was officially activated Monday.

Published: Tue, Sep 27 at 9:59am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Officially activated

Bell has officially been activated from the Reserve/Suspended by Commissioner list, per NFL.com.

Analysis: After serving a three-game suspension for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, Bell was eligible for reinstatement Monday and is now formally the top running back in Pittsburgh once again. He may serve as one of the team's top receiving options right off the bat as well; the Steelers have lacked an elite option in the passing game behind All-Pro wideout Antonio Brown through the first three weeks of the season, as DeAngelo Williams (14) and tight end Jesse James (10) are second and…read more

Published: Mon, Sep 26 at 6:40pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Hasn't been activated yet

Bell has yet to be activated from the Reserve/Suspended by Commissioner list, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: Having logged a three-game suspension for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, Bell is eligible to return to the Steelers and serve as the featured back. However, under league rules, the team has a deadline of 4 PM ET on Thursday in order to bump him up to the 53-man roster. During his absence, the backfield has been in the capable hands of veteran DeAngelo Williams, but Bell will retake the reins as he's further recovered from the torn MCL that ended his 2015 campaign in Week 8.

Published: Mon, Sep 26 at 1:15pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell is slated to rejoin the Steelers this week after serving his three-game suspension, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis: Bell watched his team go 2-1 in his absence, with veteran DeAngelo Williams rushing for the sixth-most yards (258) in the league along the way. While Bell figures to reclaim the vast majority of the Steelers' backfield workload from Williams, his return from suspension also figures to help Pittsburgh's passing game, where they've lacked a consistent alternative option to star Antonio Brown. In fact, Williams boasts the second-most receptions (14) among his Steelers teammates right now,…read more

Published: Mon, Sep 26 at 8:00am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell (suspension) is among the Steelers' key players not slated to play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Panthers.

Analysis: The same applies to DeAngelo Williams, who is set to fill in for Bell while he serves a three-game suspension to start the season. On Thursday, the team's depth backs will have an opportunity to make their cases for complementary roles heading into the regular season. Bell's next game action is expected to be on Oct. 2, when the Steelers face the Chiefs at home in Week 4.

Published: Tue, Aug 30 at 10:05am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell (suspension) gained 21 yards on three carries and 37 yards on five receptions (five targets) in Friday's preseason game against the Saints.

Analysis: Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown only made brief appearances, but Bell played deep into the second quarter, perhaps because he uncharacteristically lost a fumble early in the game. Regardless, Bell appeared to be in midseason form, showing no signs of the knee injury that brought his 2015 campaign to an early end. After he serves a three-game suspension to start the season, Bell should slide right back in as the premiere asset at his position. DeAngelo Williams figures to handle a heavy…read more

Published: Fri, Aug 26 at 7:08pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Bell (suspension) will play in Friday's preseason game against the Saints, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Analysis: The Steelers rested some key veterans for their first two exhibitions, but Friday's game will serve as a tune-up for Week 1, allowing Bell, Ben Roethlisberger, DeAngelo Williams and Antonio Brown to make their only appearances of the preseason. Coming off November knee surgery, Bell has been a full participant throughout training camp, though he will miss the first three games of the regular season due to a suspension.

Published: Fri, Aug 26 at 8:49am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Suspension reduced to three games

Bell (suspension) had his suspension reduced on Thursday from four games to three, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Bell's suspension for missed drug tests was reduced through a settlement by the NFL and the NFLPA. Bell is unquestionably one of the top fantasy running backs, averaging over 100 yards from scrimmage per game before being injured after just six tilts last season. The reduction in his suspension increases his fantasy stock slightly, while minorly reducing that of DeAngelo Williams, who'll be the team's No. 1 back while Bell is out.

Published: Fri, Aug 19 at 12:01pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Still hasn't heard back from the league

Bell (suspension) said he still hasn't heard back from the league regarding his appeal of a four-game suspension, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette reports.

Analysis: When Bell's suspension was announced in late July, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said the appeal would take place in the second week of August. That obviously hasn't happened, and it's now unclear when the hearing will be held, though the league will presumably address the matter before Week 1. Bell was one of many key Steelers held out of the preseason opener, but he seems to have made a full recovery from last year's knee surgery.

Published: Tue, Aug 16 at 8:15am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell (knee) is among the key Steelers not in line to play in Friday's preseason opener against the Lions, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis: Per coach Mike Tomlin, it can be "generally assumed" that Bell, Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, DeAngelo Williams Maurkice Pouncey will not see the playing field against the Lions on Friday. Meanwhile, as Bell continues to potentially face a four-game suspension to start the regular season, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review relays that Tomlin said he did not have an update on that front. Previous reports have suggested a resolution on the matter should arrive at some point later this month.

Published: Wed, Aug 10 at 10:17am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell -- who continues to face a reported four-game suspension to start the upcoming season -- indicates that he feels as though he is past the right MCL and PCL issues that ended his 2015 campaign, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. "I feel like I am ready," Bell said. "I feel like I can go out there and get tackled or whatever it may be. As long as my knee doesn't swell and I don't have any setbacks, I plan to do more. My right leg feels crazy strong."

Analysis: Bell, whose ACL was not impacted by the injury that ended his season in Week 8 last season, has worked his way back slowly and while his health is rounding into form to the point that he feels that he has got "all (his) speed back," questions continue to swirl surrounding his availability for the first four weeks of the season, as a result of the four-game suspension he reportedly faces for violating the NFL's drug policy. Per the report, Bell's appeal on that front is set to be heard within…read more

Published: Sun, Aug 7 at 8:26am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell (knee/suspension) already appears to be at full strength, according to Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Analysis: Kaboly jokingly estimated that Bell's knee is about "107 percent" healthy. Given that the star running back is nine months removed from tearing his MCL and PCL (but not ACL), it's not exactly surprising to hear he's made a full recovery. The far greater concern is Bell's looming four-game suspension, with his appeal set to be heard during the second week of August. He reportedly missed an offseason drug test, but he seems to believe the situation was nothing more than a miscommunication. After…read more

Published: Mon, Aug 1 at 3:20pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Opens training camp with full practices

Bell (knee) opened training camp with back-to-back full practices Friday and Saturday, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Analysis: Bell's life off the field produced a four-game suspension, barring his appeal in the next few weeks, but he's a dynamo on the field when 100 percent, or even less so. Nine months after tearing the MCL and PCL in his right knee, he participated in 11-on-11 drills, marking his first such practice since the injury. He followed that up with instances of jumping and cutting on a wet field Saturday. Bell's ability to emerge from those sessions without issue implies that he's more or less completed…read more

Published: Sun, Jul 31 at 1:22pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Appeal of suspension to be heard in mid-August

Head coach Mike Tomlin said Thursday that the appeal of Bell's (knee) four-game suspension will take place in the second week of August, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis: In conjunction with Tomlin's remarks, Bell wouldn't elaborate on the reason for allegedly missing drug tests, which precipitated his second ban related to the topic. The distraction aside, Bell expected to be fully recovered from last season's MCL and PCL tears at the start of training camp. The Steelers' first practice in the coming days will ultimately relay Bell's current level of health, but DeAngelo Williams is yet again in a prime position to have sustained relevance for the first quarter…read more

Published: Thu, Jul 28 at 2:59pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Rejects suspension talk

Bell (knee) said he will win the appeal of the potential four-game suspension he faces for missing drug tests and thus won't miss any games as a result of the situation, ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Bell's rejection of potential suspension talk came in the form of a comment from his verified Instagram account on a picture posted by someone else. At the moment, Bell is reportedly appealing the suspension, which is why it hasn't been announced. According to the league's collective bargaining agreement, a player can miss up to two drug tests without forfeiting games, but a four-game suspension is triggered upon a third missed test. Earlier this offseason, Bell denied missing or failing any…read more

Published: Mon, Jul 25 at 10:44am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Facing four-game suspension

Bell (knee) could be given a four-game suspension by the NFL for missing a recent drug test, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN.

Analysis: The report clarifies that Bell did not fail a test, but simply did not show up for one recently, and the reason a suspension hasn't been announced is because he is appealing the punishment. Bell was suspended for the first three games of last season, which was then reduced to two, for a violation of the league's drug policy, and if he is forced to sit out again, DeAngelo Williams will likely start in his place.

Published: Fri, Jul 22 at 6:26am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Le'Veon Bell: Says he'll be fine for camp

Bell (knee) said Tuesday he will be 100-percent healthy for the start of training camp, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis: Bell is already doing individual work, including running and cutting, at the first round of OTAs. Although the Steelers will likely take things slowly, Bell is nearly seven months removed from tearing his MCL, which should give him more than enough time to get ready for camp. Despite suffering season-ending injuries the past two years, he has a strong argument to be the first back drafted, offering an unparalleled combination of running ability, receiving skills and team context. Bell seems to…read more

Published: Tue, May 24 at 10:46am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell -- who tore his MCL in Week 8 of the 2015 season -- is pleased with the work he has been doing of late with Owens Recovery Science, ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Per the report, Owens "focuses on maintaining muscles around a rehabbing knee using a treatment called blood flow restriction." Though Bell's injury rehab appears to be progressing in the right direction, at this stage the Steelers don't have a precise timetable for the running back's return, but Bell does hopes to be back in time to be ready for Week 1 of the upcoming season.

Published: Sun, Apr 17 at 9:22am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell, who is recovering from a torn right MCL that he suffered last November, has been jogging of late, ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: That said, Bell indicates that his current injury rehab plan is "real conservative" at this time, though he did note that the only thing he's not cleared for yet "is cutting and sprinting." In any case, while it's encouraging to see Bell progress, the Steelers have not yet placed a timetable on the the running back's return to the field. With that in mind, even if Bell is able to participate in training camp this summer, the report suggests that the Steelers will likely limit the contact that…read more

Published: Wed, Mar 16 at 2:18pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Le'Veon Bell: Cleared to run

Bell, who is recovering from a torn right MCL that he suffered on Nov. 1, relayed Tuesday that he has been cleared to run, PennLive.com reports.

Analysis: While Bell's availability for the coming season has yet to be solidified at this stage, the fact that the 24-year-old has progressed to this point following November surgery to address his torn MCL and possible PCL damage, is nonetheless encouraging. As free agency approaches, in addition to Bell, fellow running backs DeAngelo Williams, Fitzgerald Toussaint and Daryl Richardson are under contract with the Steelers for the 2016 campaign.

Published: Tue, Mar 1 at 10:05am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Le'Veon Bell (knee): Still not cleard to run

Bell (knee) still has not been cleared to run, according to ESPN.com staff writer Jeremy Fowler. "Once I get cleared to run, I'll be happy," Bell said. "I just want to get back to how I am and get ready for next season."

Analysis: Bell is expected to be ready for Week 1, but has a challenging rehabilitation process ahead of him for the torn MCL and PCL sustained in Week 8 of the 2015 season. A healthy Bell tops many fantasy cheat sheets, so his progess should be monitored during the offseason right up to draft day.

Published: Sat, Feb 6 at 1:30pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Bell ran for 556 yards and three touchdowns on 113 carries before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He also hauled in 24-of-26 targets for 136 receiving yards.

Analysis: Bell's 2015 campaign was cut short, first by a suspension, then again after he suffered MCL/PCL injuries in his right knee. As a result, he was only on the field for six games. Just 23 years old, Bell is expected to make a full recovery in time for next season and should return to his role as a three-down back in the Steelers' high-powered offense.

Published: Mon, Jan 4 at 2:15pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Le'Veon Bell: Expected to be ready for start of next season

The Steelers are confident that Bell (knee) will be ready for the start of next season, Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Analysis: While Bell will miss the rest of this season with MCL/PCL injuries in his right knee, head coach Mike Tomlin said Bell's ACL remains intact, so he is not facing a recovery timetable that would cost him more games next year. It's not clear when Bell will be 100 percent again, but a more definitive timeline for his recovery will be known after the Steelers' medical staff decides whether or not he needs surgery to repair the damage in his knee.

Published: Tue, Nov 3 at 10:21am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Le'Veon Bell: Placed on IR

Bell has been placed on the Steelers' season-ending injured reserve list.

Analysis: Bell's 2015 season comes to a close after he sustained a gruesome right knee injury believed to be a torn MCL during Sunday's game against the Bengals. That unfortunate incident came after Bell injured the same knee during Week 17 of last season, which resulted in a lengthy rehab process. Also suspended for the first two games of this season, Bell finishes the current campaign with 556 yards on 113 carries, 136 receiving yards from 24 catches (on 26 targets), and three total touchdowns. With…read more

Published: Mon, Nov 2 at 11:34am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Le'Veon Bell: May be placed on IR

Bell (knee) may be placed on season-ending injured reserve as soon as Monday, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports.

Analysis: The Steelers didn't provide a diagnosis after Sunday's loss to the Bengals, but even in a best-case scenario, Bell will likely miss multiple games. He was unable to put any weight on his right leg and was taken out of the stadium to undergo further evaluation. According to Dave Lolley of the Washington Observer-Reporter, the Steelers believe that Bell suffered a torn MCL, which could potentially bring his season to an early end. He injured the same knee in Week 17 last season, and while the…read more

Published: Sun, Nov 1 at 7:14pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Le'Veon Bell: Severity of knee issue TBD

Following Sunday's loss to the Bengals, the Steelers did not provide an immediate update on the status of Bell, who injured his right knee in the contest, Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Analysis: Per the report, Bell left the stadium to undergo further evaluation of his knee, but at this stage the severity of the running back's injury has yet to be outlined by the team. Given that Bell was unable to put weight on his leg after sustaining his injury, we suspect that he's going to miss time, though it's too early to speculate whether his issue is season-threatening.

Published: Sun, Nov 1 at 2:42pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Le'Veon Bell: Exits Sunday's game

Bell was forced out of Sunday's game against the Bengals with a right knee injury, Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.

Analysis: At first glance this doesn't look good, with Bell having been carted off after not being able to put weight on the knee. Next up for the Steelers' carries in the event that Bell misses time beyond Sunday is DeAngelo Williams.

Published: Sun, Nov 1 at 11:13am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com